Phil Ochs needed the 1960s anti-war movement, and it could be said that the 1960s movements needed Phil Ochs and the rest of the folk singers of that era.

The documentary "Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune" adeptly follows the life and career of Ochs, whose life ended tragically at the age of 35 in 1976.

In the early 1960s, there was a folk music rebirth in this country with the likes of Peter, Paul and Mary, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan. Although his fame was probably limited, Ochs became an integral part of that crowd. His songs "Draft Dodger Rag" and "I Ain't Marching Anymore" became a rallying cry for the peace movement much the way that Dylan's did, and Ochs' interviews are very revealing about the creative differences between the two.

Family members and other contemporaries also give exceptional present-day insight about Ochs. Footage and engaging chats of Ochs the performer show him to be a very handsome and passionate singer. His voice was clear and pleasant, and his lyrics stand the test of time even though creatively his music now seems repetitious.

Ochs the man, unfortunately, fought manic depression his entire life, and once the Vietnam War and major protests were over, that dark side took control.

"Phil Ochs" not only is a good look at a man who carved a small but important niche into the folk world but a good record of the turbulent 1960s and what motivated its protesters.

-- Advisory: Tea Party members may take exception to the opinions offered in this movie.

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